Simplify this algebraic expression

Is there anything I can do to simplify it further? I know the rules of dividing powers and hence if it was 4x2 / 4x I know I could simplify it to to 4x (subtract the powers). however, I am not sure how this rule works when the coefficients of x are different as in this case.

Is there anything I can do to simplify it further? I know the rules of dividing powers and hence if it was 4x2 / 4x I know I could simplify it to to 4x (subtract the powers). however, I am not sure how this rule works when the coefficients of x are different as in this case.

As you have it written your expression reads

[tex]
12x^3 + \frac{8x^2}{6x^2} + 4x
[/tex]

- if this is what you intended, it does not simplify to [itex] 2x [/itex]

Staff: Mentor

As you have it written your expression reads
[tex]12x^3 + \frac{8x^2}{6x^2} + 4x[/tex]

This is why I have pointed out to you several times the need for parentheses. Here's how your expression should be written if you aren't able to format it nicely in LaTeX.
(12x3 + 8x2) / (6x2 + 4x)

You are obviously a motivated math student, and have sought help here at PF a number of times. Don't make us work have to work at trying to divine what you mean by having to incorrectly interpret what you have written.

Staff: Mentor

And to elaborate slightly on statdad's remark, that it still doesn't simplify to 2x, the expression 2x can be evaluated for every real value of x, while your original expression cannot be evaluated at every real x.